§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked how many torpedo boat destroyers provided for in the 501 Estimates for the years 1900–1 to 1906–7, inclusive, were not laid down; and whether any ships of other classes have been similarly dropped?
§ Mr. McKENNAWith regard to destroyers, the following are the numbers provided for in the programmes and built, respectively, for the years in question:—
| NUMBERS | ||||
| Year. | Provided for. | Built, | Not laid down. | |
| 1900–1 | … | Nil (5 supplementary programme). | 5 | Nil |
| 1901–2 | … | 10 | 10 | Nil |
| 1902–9 | … | 9 | 9 | Nil |
| 1903–4 | … | 15 | 15 | Nil |
| 1904–5 | … | 14 | 1 (purchased) | 13 |
| 1905–6 | … | 6 (and 12 coastal destroyers) | 6 (and 12 coastal destroyers) | Nil |
| 1906–7 | … | 5 (and 12 1st class torpedo boats of coastal destroyer type) | 2 (and 12 1st class torpedo boats of coastal destroyer type) | 3 |
§ The destroyer programme this year was not carried out. As the year advanced the question of a new design was discussed at considerable length, and it was decided at the commencement of the following financial year to build six destroyers of a larger type, and 12 of the smaller type to be called "ocean" and "coastal" destroyers respectively. The latter were subsequently called first-class torpedo boats.
§ As regards ships of other classes: In the year 1903–4 the three third-class cruisers provided for were not laid down, but arrangements were completed for the purchase of the two battleships "Swift-sure" and "Triumph" from the Chilian Government.
§ In the years 1904–5 and 1905–6 respectively one of the four armoured cruisers provided for was not laid down.
§ In the year 1906–7 one of the four battleships provided for was not laid down.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREAm I right in saying that 17 destroyers have not been laid down in the period indicated, and that five cruisers, armoured or otherwise, and one battleship, have not been laid down?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes; so far as I can judge from running my eyes hastily over the figures and adding them up I think that the hon. Member is right; but I would not pledge myself.
§ Mr. MIDDLEMORECan the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is this portentious dropping?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe major portion of the dropping occurred during the time of the last Government. I must request the hon. Gentleman to address himself to them.
§ Mr. McKENNANo. There is no such thing as continuity of programme.